Iowa – Page 2 – …on the B.L.

11… Ways COVID-19 Has Affected My Life

May 11, 2020 RaeAnna

This is not a complaining post. In comparison to so many people around the world, the pandemic and quarantine has gone very well for me and my family. That being said, we have been affected in some highly significant ways. It has been difficult, but we’re staying optimistic, and I’m surrounded by my quaranteam aka thirteen puppies and their mama.

wp-15892360896555814935243523090556 — Dad and I giving the puppies attention in Ames, Iowa.

wp-1589236089600 — Getting my puppy love on!

I’m homeless. A very long story will come about this because I truly have no idea what is going to happen right now.
The puppies, Tess, and I are living with my parents in Iowa for the near future because we have nowhere else to go.
I went six weeks without making a single penny. When it comes to spending money, people don’t like to hire writers/creatives during financially problematic times. (Luckily, it’s slowly – very – starting to come back.)
Like millions of others across the country and around the world, my boyfriend lost his job.
Having a sick rescue and a litter of puppies means lots and lots of visits to the vet. I have not been able to go into the vet appointments with them since their first week check… two and a half months ago. It’s harder on Tess than the puppies because she gets so scared I’m going to leave her every time she is dropped off. It’s been very hard on her anxiety.
Beau is gaining weight and getting irritable because she can’t go to the dog park.
I wasn’t able to watch my best friend or little sister graduate from their Master’s program and Bachelor’s degree respectively. It breaks my heart for them and me; I can’t be their obnoxious cheerleader in the crowd screaming their name as they walk across the stage even though we’re not supposed to.
I haven’t been able to see Beau regularly in a long time because she’s staying with her dad so I have one less thing on my plate. I miss her dearly, and I think she is mad at me for leaving her.
The blog and the Instagram are being neglected because finding content creation inspiration is hard when I’m stuck at home constantly… My home isn’t that cute! I need some pictures for this damnit!!!
I was stuck in the car for 974 miles with thirteen puppies and a grown dog. That translates to a fifteen hour car ride, which was extended to twenty-one hours because dogs…. It was far more disgusting than you’re even imagining. Horrible. I will have to do it again, and I’m dreading it.
Last but not least, a positive: I have read so many books! So there’s been a positive impact on my reading list.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

11..., Lifestyle

11… Books for Women’s History Month

March 16, 2020March 15, 2020 RaeAnna

Hanging out in the Iowa State Law Library in Des Moines, Iowa. | Skirt | Sweater | Shoes |

Every year, I like to read books dedicated to a few of the heritage months. Last month, I did not read as much for Black History Month as I’d hoped, oh well. I use the heritage months as a way to educate myself.

The one month I don’t celebrate through my reading list is Women’s History Month. I don’t need to. Not that I’m the most educated person on the topic, most of the books I crack are written by and about women. I find them more interesting. Gender studies is one of my favorite topics to read about. I tend to have to go out of my way to read books by and about men in the fiction genre – history is another story altogether. I just don’t care as much about the protagonists when they’re men. Sorry, but not actually. I have always thought a woman’s story, no matter who she is/was, is far more engaging to me than those of men. Men are great, sure, but I’d rather spend my time reading about my people.

I completely and full-heartedly support Women’s History Month, but I don’t make a point of dedicating my reading list to it. My entire reading list, all year long is a devotion to women, our history, our issues, our future. If you want to read more books about and by women, here are eleven of the books and authors who opened my mind and enthralled me as a young reader, as a student, and as an adult!

Rose in Bloom Louisa May Alcott
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Harriet Jacobs
The Awakening Kate Chopin
Funny in Farsi Firoozeh Dumas
All The Single Ladies Rebecca Traister
Americanah Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Reading Lolita in Tehran Azar Nafisi
Homegoing Yaa Gyasi
Herland Charlotte Perkins Gilman
The Second Sex Simone de Beauvoir
To the Lighthouse Virginia Woolf

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

In My Own Words, Lifestyle

Roaring 20’s

February 2, 2020February 2, 2020 RaeAnna

It’s the 20’s!!!!

Walking into Beardshear Hall on Iowa State University’s campus in Ames, Iowa dressed in 20’s style. | Dress | Shoes | Cape | Purse | Necklace | Gloves | Bracelet | Earrings | Headpiece |

That’s a really weird thing to say. I remember thinking that was so long ago and simultaneously so far away. Yet, here we are. Life has a way of chugging on like a train on a downhill slope.

The 1920’s were known to be roaring. Even though prohibition took up the entirety of that decade, it didn’t seem to stop the party. If people followed the rules and didn’t drink, I have a feeling The Great Gatsby would have been a lot less interesting. It will be interesting to see how this decade plays out in a new century. We have 3,621 days left to find out.

This post is only 33 days late, but it’s not like the past is going anywhere.

I was in Iowa, my home state, for New Year’s Eve. During the day, the family and I spent the day in Des Moines bopping around the capitol building and East Village. It was a lot of fun and made for some great photo opportunities.

That evening, I wanted to grab a quick picture or two in my flapper outfit. I headed to Iowa State University’s campus. I was so excited because Beardshear Hall was unlocked. We (not-so-much) snuck in and had a full blown photoshoot. It ended up being the perfect location. Built in 1906, it’s beautiful. The vintage architecture was the perfect backdrop for my vintage outfit. I even brought along my grandmother’s vintage fur cape. It’s ridiculously over the top, but then again so were the 20’s, and I have almost no reason to wear it.

In true roaring 20’s fashion, we rang in the new year at a real speakeasy. I’m not kidding. In the middle of nowhere Iowa, I was at an illegal I don’t even know what to call it, but it wasn’t legal, there was food, a live band, and a bunch of people enjoying the evening. We had food and listened to great music. I watched my parents dance the night away. The audience was far older than Dylan and I, but it was a lot of fun anyways.

I would love to say the start of the 20’s have been roaring for me, but that would be a lie of enormous proportions. I have worn my gorgeous 20’s outfit twice. Once on New Year’s Eve and once for a 20’s themed party at a ballroom studio. Here’s to hoping I have more opportunity to party it up and make this decade incredibly memorable.

I think I have more pictures than things to say. I absolutely love 20’s fashion. I think it’s gorgeous. I also really enjoy the fact it’s not form fitting, which makes it really comfortable for dancing and having fun. I really went all out. I found my flapper dress on Amazon. It’s actually very comfortable and high quality. The shoes and opera gloves, I already had. I found the jewelry on Amazon too. It really was amazing dressing up in vintage style. Someone saw the pictures I took and thought they were really from the 20’s. Best compliment ever!!!

wp-1579243471509 — Pictures from the speakeasy in Iowa on New Year’s Eve.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Blog + Dog

Fence Climbing Dog

January 16, 2020 RaeAnna

wp-1579159455927 — Running because she wasn’t cooperating and it was the only way to get her to go straight.

wp-1579159455978 — Walking away from the camera because you have to in order to walk towards the camera.

wp-1579159455948 — Staring at the other dogs who CAN’T climb fences. | Dog Collar | Yoga Pants | Hat | Leash

We went to the dog park today, which is not unusual, but I did find out about a fun new skill Beau has acquired.

Abandonment issues are something both Beau and I have in common. Although, hers are much worse than mine. I don’t freak out when my people are within eyesight. Beau does. If there is something keeping her from me and I’m walking away, she’s not a happy camper.

Setting the scene:
Dylan and I walked around the dog part as Beau zoomed and zipped and sniffed butts. She pooped all over the place. She did one last big poop as we were about to leave. Dylan stayed in the dog park with her to clean up the doo-doo pile. I walked to the truck to grab her towel and shampoo so we could clean the gross lake water off her.

Action continues:
As I walked through the gate to go to the truck, Beau started freaking out because the gate and the fence was in her way. She didn’t care Dylan was right there with her. She ran from one side of the gate to the other, SCREAMING!!! Beau was so very unhappy. Even though she could see me, she wasn’t with me.

New found talent:
I was at the truck and turned to look at her. Beau was CLIMBING the fence. When she was near the top of the fence, she looked over it and realized getting over it would be hard. She climbed back down the fence and continued to stare at me whining.

We were reunited a whole two minutes later. It was very devastating and emotionally traumatizing for Beau. I am, obviously, a terrible mother. She managed to survive the whole experience, and we’re curled up in our chair amid a pile of pillows. Tomorrow is a new day, and we will continue to work on our abandonment issues. For now (and hopefully forever) I will remain her dedicated stay-at-home dog mom.

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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11..., Experiences, Lifestyle, Travel

11… Of My Home For A Midwestern Holidays Activities

January 6, 2020 RaeAnna

I went home for the holidays. Home is such a vague word because I consider home to be Houston and wherever my people are. Other than that, I was in Minnesota, Chicago, and Iowa. I got to spend time with most of the people that matter most to me in this world.

Three long road trips to Chicago to Ames to home [Houston] with my favorite man and being, aka my life pawtner aka my boyfriend and my dog.
Stopping at the World’s Largest Truck Stop in Davenport, Iowa. | Crop Sherpa Jacket | Yogas | Red Wellies | Stud Earrings | Glasses |
I played with horses in Minnesota. Alex’s mom has a horse farm in the middle of nowhere Minnesota, and it’s one of my favorite places on Earth. The farm is surrounded by bluffs, and it’s just beautiful. I was only there for two days, but it was a great way to start my holiday trip.
I love horsie cuddles!!! | Wool Skirt | Sweater | Stud Earrings |
Had a family Christmas in Effingham, where Mom and Dad are building their retirement lake home. While Mom was showing us the sight, we got the car stuck. None of us wore the right shoes, but we pushed anyways and made it back onto the road. Girl Power.
We were all visibly thrilled about the situation.
I dressed up with my sisters and Beau on Christmas morning to be Santa and her elves because we don’t require Santa to be a man in our family. I honestly don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything as cute as Beau in a Santa costume. Made my entire year.
Elf Pajamas | Elf Hats | Santa Costume
One of my Christmas presents was two tickets to The Second City for their Do You Believe in Madness? Show, critiquing the modern political climate and culture in general. Kelsey and I went and had an AMAZING time. I don’t know if I’ve ever laughed that much in a two hour period. (I probably have, but it was at myself, so it doesn’t count.) We had front row seats, and they served hot chocolate. I mean, it was made for me.
Enjoying Chicago. | OTK Boots | Coat | Hat | Purse | Scarf
I got to spend the evening with my brother and sister-in-law in Chicago, enjoying good food, yummy chocolates, and even better company.
Two of my favorite people!!! | Jeans | OTK Boots | Sweater | Scarf | Earrings |
Beau got bit by my parents’ new rescue dog. Stay tuned for more on this week’s Blog + Dog for more details. She’s fine, but it was ruff.
I did some unnecessary shopping in downtown Ames with my mom, pawtner, and dad. I picked up very important things, like popover tins, tea, soap that smells like hot chocolate, and dog treats/toys/chewbones. Beau appreciates the fact we spend more money on her than ourselves.
I took pictures in the Iowa Law Library. There will be a post about that in the future. It’s amazing. If you ever have the chance to go, do so. You won’t regret it.
Honestly, one of the most beautiful places ever. | Skirt | Sweater | Heels |
The family went to the Iowa State Capitol Building and East Village in Des Moines to explore and have a fun afternoon on New Year’s Eve. I had never been with my dad, and my mom hadn’t been in two decades – since I went on a second grade field trip.
Posing with my Iowa baseball cap in front of the capitol. | Jeans | Sweater | Flannel | Boots | Scarf |
I dressed up as a flapper for New Year’s Eve, took pictures in Beardshear Hall on Iowa State’s campus, and attended a concert in a speakeasy. It was a lot of fun. My parents had an amazing time, and Dylan and I got to dance together, which was a nice way to bring in the New Year.
Flapper Dress | Satin Gloves| [Faux] Fur Cape | Heels | Purse | Pearl Necklace | Pearl Bracelet | Art Deco Earrings | Stud Earrings | Headpiece

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

Style

Easter Outfits

April 15, 2019September 20, 2019 RaeAnna

Wearing my Easter outfit in Little Italy, Chicago. | Lace Romper | Black Patent Pumps

Growing up, Easter was always a huge deal in my house. My brother and I would run to the living room to try and scope out the Easter eggs before Mom and Dad got out of bed. Mom used to put our Easter baskets out on the table, but she learned we would go through them without her. She ended up hiding those as well by the time I was five, so she and Dad could see our faces. We weren’t allowed to hunt them until after church. We would go have breakfast at church with friends before heading to Sunday School and service. After church was over we would go home and run around finding all the eggs, candy, and goodies. As I got older, we started going to sunrise service. At one point, I attended four church services before noon.

I’m not religious in any sense of the word. When I’m in my hometown, I go to church with my mom because it means a lot to her. I try to be home for Easter as often as I can. A few years ago, I drove through the night, so I could walk into church and surprise my mom. She ended up tearing up. I’ve missed a few years, but I’ll be with the parental units this year.

It is my 27th Easter, and I have successfully hunted easter eggs all but two years in college. Last year, my mom sent a bag of Easter eggs, so my boyfriend could hide them for me. My dog thinks it’s good fun because I’m running around like a goof with a bag. I firmly believe there is no age limit on fun. The off chance I have children, they will be competing with me to find eggs. I’ll go easy on them the first couple years. I love it. It brings me joy. I’ll die hunting easter eggs.

Growing up, Easter and Christmas were the two occasions I got to pick out an entire new outfit. I think that tradition continued well into high school. Now, it’s a little less of a thing because I have a fair amount of clothing. I love Easter outfits, though. They’re springy and sweet. I lean towards the pastels and fluffy skirts. I’m including three outfits perfect for Easter. All on sale from Asos. I highly suggest them. Super cute.

Off-the-shoulder floral dress from Asos.

I love this off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve floral dress. It has whites, pinks, blues, and flowers. I mean it’s the perfect Easter/spring dress. It would be beautiful for upcoming wedding season too or date night. I do love it. It’s under $35 too.

If you want something a little more delicate. This lace cami dress is so cute. I like that it is open back too. It is sold out in this seafoam color. It is available in the pink. I think the pink is better because it pops against fair skin tones better than the green. It’s $26.50.

Lace romper from Asos with black patent leather pumps.

I am loving on jumpsuits. They’re so in, but also they’re different. Everyone goes for a dress on Easter, why not try something unusual. This is the cutest lace, long-sleeve romper. The back is completely open with a bow and high neck. I love the periwinkle color and lace. There are pockets!!!! Who doesn’t love pockets?!? Also it’s an absolute steal at $13.50. I mean come on. You need it! I think black patent leather pumps go with everything, by the way.

If you order now, you can for sure have them by this weekend. Asos has great two day delivery. I’ve even gotten things the next day. Also as someone 5’10”, these are great options. I didn’t have a single problem fitting into them with their defined waists.

Stay tuned on Sunday. I will be posting some pictures from my Easter egg hunt. I don’t know if my parents are tired of hiding the eggs or not, but it’s happening. I for sure think this has gone on much longer than they ever anticipated. I’m great at adulting and kidding!

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